BLOCK STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING BLOCK STORAGE ELEMENTS FROM A BLOCK STORAGE DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

To enhance functionality of a block storage element that is used in growing plant biomass or fungal biomass and can be stacked.SOLUTION: A block storage element comprises: a fluid reservoir 8 with an overflow mechanism 9, the overflow mechanism interacting with a flow-guiding or a distributing device; an outflow valve 5; and an inflow funnel part. The inflow funnel part and the overflow mechanism 9 are disposed in different regions of the block storage device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stackable block storage element for use in growing plant or fungal biomass. The present invention further relates to a block storage device including a block storage element receiving space in which at least one block storage element is arranged. The present invention further relates to a method for removing the block storage element. [Background technology]

[0002] Known block storage elements are used solely for the placement into and removal from storage of objects stored in the block storage system, and apart from the pure storage function, the block storage systems and block storage elements have no other purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A block storage system or block storage device refers to a storage device including at least one block storage element receiving space. A plurality of stackable block storage elements can be stored in the block storage element receiving space and removed from the storage state. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is stored in the block storage element receiving space or removed from the storage state through a loading / unloading space. The loading / unloading space can be arranged above or below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, whereby the direction of storage to the storage state or the direction of removal from the storage state is oriented in the direction of gravity or opposite to the direction of gravity. The direction of storage to the storage state and the direction of removal from the storage state are determined by the arrangement of the loading / unloading space. When the loading / unloading space is arranged above the block storage element receiving space, the direction of storage to the storage state is the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from the storage state is opposite to the direction of gravity. When the loading / unloading space is arranged below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, the direction of storage to the storage state is oriented opposite to the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from the storage state is oriented in the direction of gravity. When a plurality of block storage elements are placed in a storage state in the block storage element receiving space, a block storage element stack is formed. Other terms for a block storage system are a stack storage system or a container stack storage system. In this exemplary embodiment, the block storage element receiving space is located above the loading / unloading space in the direction of gravity.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the functionality of block storage elements.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] The block storage element of the type mentioned above includes a fluid reservoir with an overflow mechanism. Using this configuration, the block storage element can be used for growing or cultivating plant or fungal biomass. Using the fluid reservoir, different stages of plants, such as seeds and seedlings, or fungi, can also receive a fluid supply. The plant or fungus receives a supply of fluid and / or nutrient solution through its placement in the fluid reservoir. The plant can be placed above the fluid reservoir and extend into the fluid reservoir with its roots. This allows the plant to draw fluid out of the fluid reservoir through its roots. For this purpose, the plant or fungus can be placed in a container with a fluid-permeable base. The plant's roots can also become entangled within the base. Furthermore, excess fluid from the fluid reservoir can be drained through the overflow mechanism. In this way, waterlogging, which could damage the plant and / or fungus located in the fluid reservoir, cannot occur. This allows the plant and / or fungus to experience optimal growing conditions. In addition to reducing waterlogging, the underlying block storage elements can receive fluid and / or nutrient solution through the block storage element's overflow mechanism. Therefore, one block storage element stack requires only one fluid and / or nutrient solution delivery element, which results in lower costs. By using this configuration, the block storage elements can be stored in a storage state in the block storage system and used for biomass propagation. This improves the functionality of the block storage elements. Furthermore, by using this type of configuration, multiple plants and / or fungi can be grown in a relatively small space.

[0007] Preferably, the overflow mechanism interacts with a guiding or distributing device. The guiding or distributing device prevents the fluid and / or nutrient solution guided through the overflow mechanism from directly re-entering the overflow mechanism in the underlying block storage element. This allows the fluid and / or nutrient solution guided in this manner to be optimally supplied to the underlying block storage element. The block storage element may thus comprise a tray, which may comprise a guiding structure for guiding the fluid and / or nutrient solution. The guiding structure may ensure that the fluid and / or nutrient solution can be uniformly distributed within the tray before passing through the overflow mechanism to enter the next block storage element. The guiding or distributing device may, for example, comprise a groove similar to a rain gutter.

[0008] Preferably, the block storage element is provided with an outflow valve, by means of which the fluid and / or nutrient solution can be drained during the process of removal from storage. In this way, the risk of spillage during the process of removal from storage can be prevented, as a result of which the block storage element is easier to handle. Furthermore, the outflow valve can drain excess fluid and / or nutrient solution introduced into the block storage element during the watering process. The collected fluid and / or nutrient solution can be treated and reused.

[0009] Preferably, the block storage element comprises an inlet funnel through which the fluid and / or nutrient solution channeled by the channeling or distribution device is collected and delivered to the fluid reservoir in a targeted manner, thereby preventing possible flow-related erosion and substrate material runoff. The use of the inlet funnel further allows for targeted distribution of the fluid and / or nutrient solution, thereby ensuring optimal supply of the fluid and / or nutrient solution to all plants or fungi located within the block storage element.

[0010] Preferably, the inlet funnel and the overflow mechanism are located in different regions of the block storage element. Fluid and / or nutrient solution flowing out through the overflow mechanism is directed by a directing or distributing device to the inlet funnel of the underlying block storage element. Because the inlet funnel and the overflow mechanism are located in different regions of the block storage element, the fluid and / or nutrient solution must travel a certain distance before reaching the overflow mechanism again. This allows the fluid and / or nutrient solution to be supplied to the entire fluid reservoir, thereby supplying all plants and / or fungi placed in the fluid reservoir.

[0011] Furthermore, this object is achieved by a block storage device including a block storage element receiving space in which at least one block storage element is arranged, which comprises at least one fluid and / or nutrient supplying device. By using this configuration, the block storage element can be supplied with fluid and / or nutrient solution. The fluid and / or nutrient solution supplying device performs the supply of plants and / or fungi, so that human intervention is no longer required. As a result, running costs are reduced and a constant supply of fluid and / or nutrients is ensured.

[0012] Preferably, the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises at least one shut-off valve. Using this shut-off valve, the supply of fluid and / or nutrient solution to the fluid reservoir of the block storage element can be controlled. Fluid and / or nutrient solution can be supplied as needed. This makes it possible to avoid over-supply or under-supply. Furthermore, optimal conditions for each type of plant and / or fungus can be created so that the plant and / or fungus encounters optimal growth conditions.

[0013] Preferably, the fluid and / or nutrient solution supply device comprises an actuator for an outlet valve, using which the outlet valve on the block storage element can be actuated, thereby allowing the fluid and / or nutrient solution to be drawn off to flow out. By using this actuator, the outlet valve can be actuated in a purely mechanical manner, and can therefore be kept relatively simple.

[0014] Preferably, the fluid and / or nutrient solution supply device comprises a storage tank, which may be arranged upward in the direction of gravity or in an upper region of the block storage element receiving space, so that the fluid and / or nutrient solution can be transferred by means of gravity into the fluid reservoir arranged below.

[0015] Preferably, the fluid and / or nutrient solution supply device comprises a pump. The pump can pump the fluid and / or nutrient solution through the fluid and / or nutrient supply device. Thus, there is no reliance on the effect of gravity and the fluid and / or nutrient solution can also be transported against gravity. For example, when operation begins, the collected fluid and / or nutrient solution can be transferred through the pump into a storage tank.

[0016] Preferably, at least two elements of the fluid and / or nutrient solution supply device are in fluid connection. Thereby, the actuator can be in fluid connection with, for example, a pump, which can be in fluid connection with a storage tank. As a result, excess fluid and / or nutrient solution can be transferred back into the storage tank. The storage tank can also be in fluid connection with a shut-off valve. Thus, the fluid and / or nutrient solution can be transported via the fluid connection. By using the fluid connection, a simple transfer of the fluid and / or nutrient solution is possible.

[0017] This object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the fluid reservoir of the block storage element, which is maximally filled with fluid up to the overflow mechanism, is drained before removal. In this way, the block storage element is removed from storage with a relatively empty fluid reservoir, so that the weight of the block storage element is reduced. This allows for easier handling of the block storage element in addition to a lower risk of sloshing.

[0018] Preferably, multiple block storage elements can be sequentially evacuated and removed. Through sequential evacuating and removing multiple block storage elements, the block storage element stack can be evacuated using only one actuator. This reduces costs, both manufacturing and maintenance. The block storage system has only one actuator per block storage element receiving space. Peripheral equipment, such as storage tanks, processing elements, pumps, etc., can interact with one or more block storage element receiving spaces. This simplifies the design of the block storage system.

[0019] Preferably, the lowest block storage element removed from the stack of block storage elements is drained and removed each time, using gravity to remove the fluid and / or nutrient solution as the lowest block storage element is removed, thereby allowing for a pure flow of fluid and no pumping is required anymore.

[0020] Preferably, the shut-off valve and the outlet valve interact to allow fluid to be discharged, and the shut-off valve and the outlet valve interact to prevent new fluid and / or nutrient solution from being resupplied during the fluid discharge process, thereby shortening the time required for the fluid discharge process and thereby shortening the time required for removal as well.

[0021] The invention is explained below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block storage device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a block storage element. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a block storage element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the outlet valve and actuator in an unactuated state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the outlet valve and actuator in an actuated state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a fluid flow schematic of the block reservoir. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The block storage device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises at least one block storage element receiving space 2. A loading / unloading space (not shown) is arranged below the block storage element receiving space 2. At least one block storage element 3 is arranged in the block storage receiving space 2. The block storage element 3 can be transported inside the block storage system through a storage and unloading station 4.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a block storage element 3. An outlet valve 5 is located on the front side of the block storage element 3. An inlet funnel 6 is located on the top side of the block storage element 3. The bottom side of the block storage element 3 is equipped with a flow directing or distribution device 7.

[0025] 3 is a side view of the block storage element 3. A fluid reservoir 8 is located in the base of the block storage element 3. An overflow mechanism 9 that interacts with the flow directing or dispensing device 7 is also located in the base.

[0026] 4 and 5, cross sections of the actuator 10 and the outlet valve 5 are shown. Thus, FIG. 4 shows the inactivated state, in which the actuator 10 and the outlet valve 5 are separated. Furthermore, in the inactivated state, the actuator 10 is located outside the container receiving space 2. The outlet valve 5 is actuated by the actuator 10.

[0027] 5, an actuation state is shown in which the actuator 10 actuates the outlet valve 5. The outlet valve 5 is fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir 8. The actuator 10 is moved from an inactive state to an active state and vice versa by a moving mechanism (not shown).

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a fluid flow schematic diagram for a block storage device 1 including multiple block storage elements 3 arranged within a single block storage element receiving space 2. The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow of fluid and / or nutrient solution. This exemplary diagram also shows a storage tank 11, which may be located at the top of the fluid and / or nutrient supply device in the direction of gravity. The storage tank 11 is fluidly connected to a shut-off valve 12. In this example, multiple planting containers are arranged within the fluid reservoir 8, and plants are also arranged within the planting containers. The planting containers have fluid-permeable bases within which the plant roots can intertwine. The plants are stabilized by their roots and the bases of the planting containers. The plants may also be grown on a substrate or the like. The block storage element 3 includes an overflow mechanism 9 that interacts with a flow-directing or distributing device 7. The overflow mechanism 9 is located at a first end of the flow-directing or distributing device 7, and the inlet funnel 6 is located at a second end of the flow-directing or distributing device 7. The fluid reservoir 8 further comprises a guiding structure that guides the fluid and / or nutrient solution starting from the inlet funnel 6 to the overflow mechanism 9. The guiding structure thereby ensures that the fluid and / or nutrient solution reaches a large portion of the fluid reservoir 8 before reaching the overflow mechanism 9. The block storage elements 3 further comprise an outlet valve 5. Starting from the lowest block storage element 3, the fluid and / or nutrient solution is transferred to a treatment device or storage tank 11 (not shown), for example by a pump (not shown).

[0029] An exemplary process is described below, starting with placing the block storage element 3 in a storage state, continuing through the growth stages of a plant placed in a planting container in the fluid reservoir 8, and continuing until the block storage element 3 is removed from the storage state together with the plant placed in the planting container.

[0030] The block storage elements 3 are filled with seeds, seedlings or plants and transferred to the storage and removal station 4. The storage and removal station 4 forms an entrance to and an exit from the block storage device 1. The storage and removal station 4 can thereby be connected to the loading and unloading space by a port device (not shown). The block storage elements 3 are transported into the block storage element receiving space 2 via the loading and unloading space.

[0031] The block storage elements 3 are transported into the block storage system 1 through the storage and storage removal station 4, and are also removed again from the block storage system 1. In this embodiment, the storage and storage removal station 4 is connected to the loading and unloading space by a port (not shown). The port is then connected to the loading and unloading space, which is arranged below at least one block storage element receiving space 2. A mobile unloading vehicle is arranged in the loading and unloading space, and the unloading vehicle transfers multiple block storage elements 3 from the port into the container receiving space 2. To do so, the unloading vehicle picks up the block storage elements 3 from the port by lifting the block storage elements 3 from below in the direction of gravity, so that the block storage elements 3 are placed on the unloading vehicle. Next, the unloading vehicle moves together with the block storage elements 3 to the block storage element receiving space 2 where the block storage elements 3 are to be stored. Upon arriving at the block storage element receiving space 2, the unloading vehicle gravityThe unloading vehicle then lifts the block storage element 3 upward against the direction of the arrow. If one or more block storage elements 3 are already positioned in the block storage element receiving space 2 to be filled, the unloading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 to be loaded into storage, together with any block storage elements 3 positioned above it, thereby forming a block storage element stack. Once the block storage element stack has been lifted above a certain height by the unloading vehicle, a holding element (not shown) that holds the block storage element stack moves, allowing the unloading vehicle to descend again without the block storage elements 3. The unloading vehicle is then free to load or unload further block storage elements 3. During the unloading process, only the bottommost block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack positioned in the block storage element receiving space 2 can be unloaded at any one time. For this purpose, the unloading vehicle is positioned below the block storage element 3 being unloaded and lifts the block storage element 3 or block storage element stack so that the holding element moves to the release position. The unloading vehicle then lowers the block storage element stack. Once the block storage element stack has been lowered a certain distance, the holding element moves back to its holding position, holding the remaining block storage element stack within the block storage element receiving space 2. At this point, the bottom block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack is placed onto the unloading vehicle, which then transports the block storage system 3 to a port device (port). From the port device (port), the block storage elements 3 can be further transported, inspected, repaired, or put back into storage. The procedure of putting the block storage elements 3 into storage is repeated until the desired number of block storage elements 3 have been placed in the block storage element receiving space 2.

[0032] Once the desired number of block storage elements 3 have been placed in the block storage element receiving space 2, a fluid and / or nutrient supply device can supply the block storage elements 3 with fluid and / or nutrient solution (hereinafter referred to as fluid). For this purpose, the fluid is transferred from the storage tank 11 via a shut-off valve 12 into the fluid reservoir 8 of the first block storage element 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the first block storage element 3 is the top block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack. The fluid level in the fluid reservoir 8 rises until the fluid flows over an overflow mechanism 9. From the overflow mechanism 9, the fluid flows via a diversion or distribution device 7 into the inlet funnel 6 of the second block storage element 3 located below the diversion or distribution device 7. The diversion or distribution device 7 can thereby comprise a channel, hose, pipe, etc. This procedure is then repeated until all fluid reservoirs 8 of the multiple block storage elements 3 in the block storage element receiving space 2 have received an adequate supply of fluid. The overflow mechanism 9 and the inlet funnel portion 6 are positioned at a distance from each other to create a flow of fluid through the fluid reservoir 8. Thus, the fluid fills the entire fluid reservoir 8 before flowing out through the overflow mechanism 9. Preferably, the overflow mechanism 9 and the inlet funnel portion 6 are positioned at different ends of the fluid reservoir 8.

[0033] Since no other block storage elements 3 are located below the lowest block storage element 3, the diversion or distribution device 7 no longer functions properly. The outlet valve 5 of the lowest block storage element 3 therefore at least temporarily interacts with the actuator 10. In this case, fluid is prevented from flowing out via the overflow mechanism 9 of the lowest block storage element 3.

[0034] Through the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuator 10, the fluid level is lowered sufficiently early before the fluid overflows in the fluid reservoir 8 of the lowest block storage element 3. The collected fluid is sent to a processing device (not shown) and transferred from the processing device back to the storage tank 11 or other components. The fluid is transported by a pump (not shown) starting from the actuator 10. However, the pump can also be located at a different position, for example downstream of the processing device or in the region of the storage tank 11. As soon as the fluid level in all fluid reservoirs 8 of the multiple block storage elements 3 has risen sufficiently, the shut-off valve 12 is closed again. As a result, no additional fluid can reach either the block storage elements 3 or the fluid reservoir 8. The shut-off valve 12 can be reopened at chronologically ordered time intervals to restore the fluid level consumed by the plant or fungus. If the fluid has reached a certain height in the fluid reservoir 8, the outlet valve 5 can also be opened by the actuator 10. This can prevent unintended spillage through the overflow mechanism 9. Continuous and consistent circulation of the fluid and / or nutrient delivery device is also possible, but not always necessary.

[0035] To remove a block storage element 3 from storage with plants ready for harvest, the fluid is completely or partially emptied into the corresponding lowest block storage element 3 by the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuator 10. As a result, the block storage element 3 can be handled more easily, since on the one hand the weight of the block storage element 3 is reduced and on the other hand the risk of fluid spillage is reduced. The block storage element 3 can be removed from storage in the drained state. For this purpose, the block storage element 3 is removed downwards and sent through the port to the storage and storage removal station 4, as described above. From the storage and storage removal station 4, the block storage element 3 can be further processed or transported. Furthermore, when removed from storage, the block storage element 3 can be inspected by replacing or changing the outlet valve 5.

[0036] Depending on whether the plant is to be harvested, transplanted, or transported, a certain level of fluid may remain in the fluid reservoir 8. This allows the plant to maintain contact with the fluid during transport, resulting in the plant lasting longer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 Block storage device 2 Block storage element receiving space 3 Block Storage Elements 4. Storage and retrieval station 5 Outlet Valve 6. Inflow funnel 7. Diversion or distribution devices 8 Fluid Reservoir 9 Overflow mechanism 10 Actuating device 11 Storage Tank 12 Shut-off valve

Claims

1. A block storage device (1), a block storage element receiving space (2); At least one block storage element (3) is arranged in the block storage element receiving space (2), and the block storage element (3) is used for growing plant biomass or fungal biomass and is stackable; said block storage device (1) comprises at least one fluid and / or nutrient supply device, The block storage element (3) comprises a fluid reservoir (8) with an overflow mechanism (9), The block storage element (3) is provided with an outlet valve (5), A block storage device (1), wherein the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises an actuator (10) for the outlet valve (5), The block storage device (1) has a loading and unloading space arranged below the block storage element receiving space (2), The block storage device (1) is characterized in that, when one or more block storage elements (3) are already placed in the block storage element receiving space (2) to be filled, the block storage elements (3) are configured to form a block storage element stack by lifting the block storage elements (3) upward against the direction of gravity.

2. 2. Block storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overflow mechanism (9) interacts with a diversion or distribution device (7).

3. A block storage device (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the block storage element (3) has an inlet funnel portion (6).

4. 4. Block storage device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the inlet funnel (6) and the overflow mechanism (9) are arranged in different areas of the block storage element (3).

5. Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises at least one shut-off valve (12).

6. Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises a pump.

7. Block storage apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises a storage tank (11).

8. Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least two elements of the fluid and / or nutrient supply device are at least fluidly connected.

9. 9. A method for removing a block storage element (3) from a block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fluid reservoir (8) of the block storage element (3), which is maximally filled with fluid up to the overflow mechanism (9), is drained of fluid before removal.

10. 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of said block storage elements (3) are drained and removed sequentially.

11. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the lowest one of the block storage elements (3) to be removed from the stack is drained and removed each time a block storage element (3) is removed.

12. A method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the shut-off valve (12) and the outlet valve (5) interact to discharge fluid in order to remove the block storage element (3) from the block storage device (1) described in claim 5.

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